"Invest Yourself in the Arts" Fall Campaign begins Sepember 02
How would you like to make a solid investment that is sure to reap dividends right now and for the long-term" These days everyone is looking for that particular kind of investment. The Bonifas Arts Center invites you to "Invest Yourself in the Arts" during the 2002 fall campaign for community support as a way to enrich your own life while helping to create a strong and vibrant community.

"Right now when there are diminishing returns on a lot of investments, this is the one place where you’ll always see positive returns," says Pat Rudden, Vice President - Trust Manager, Wells Fargo Bank Michigan. Pat and husband, Rick Rudden, are also serving as campaign co-chairs for the Bonifas Arts Center’s fall membership campaign.

Rick, who is editor of The Daily Press, believes the celebration of human values that the Arts Center embodies and promotes for our area, is sometimes overlooked in our society.

"We need to celebrate our lives with the written word, performing arts, visual arts and so on," says Rick. "The Bonifas Arts Center nurtures these things and makes the arts accessible to everyone," he added.

The fall campaign’s financial goal of $116,000 representing 38 % of the yearly budget, is used to fund the Center’s full year of programs for all ages, interests and skill levels.

"The contributions from local individuals, families, organizations and businesses are also used as matching funds for state and local grants," says Samantha Gibb Roff, arts center executive director.

The Arts Center board of trustees also likes to set a goal for the number of contributing members each year. This year the membership goal is 700, up from the current 615 members. Memberships begin at $25 for individuals and $35 for families. For people who would like to commemorate a special day in honor or in memory of a loved one, day sponsorships are available for a $100 tax-deductible contribution. As an added bonus members receive a 20-25% discount on all workshops and a 10% discount on gift shop purchases.

“We also have an ‘Arts Partners’ category of giving for people who contribute $300 or more, a ‘Benefactors’ level for $500, and ‘Tower Society’ members beginning at $1,000 for those who want to make a ‘substantial’ investment in arts and culture for their community,” says Gibb Roff.

Now is the time to think about Investing Yourself in the Arts by supporting Bonifas Arts Center with a tax-deductible contribution this fall. It’s a sure way to put your money to good work supporting arts and cultural programs, performances and activities for everyone.

Campaign Co-Chairs
These two lifelong Delta County residents are providing the voice of the Arts Center’s 2002 membership campaign. Rick, editor of the Daily Press, has served with the Rotary, Business in Partnership with Education and the YMCA. Pat, vice-president and head of the trust department for Wells Fargo Bank, has been very involved with the Escanaba Kiwanis Club, Delta County Business and Professional Women, and the Delta County Ambassadors.